Moving Forward: Sarah Lahbati Opens Up About Life After Separation
In an honest conversation with Kylie Verzosa, Sarah Lahbati opens up about life after separation—navigating single parenting, personal healing, and moving forward
Since news of her separation from Richard Gutierrez broke, Sarah Lahbati has chosen a path of privacy—focusing on what matters most: her children, Zion and Kai. While keeping her personal life largely out of the spotlight, she has continued to show up for work, including her upcoming film Buy Bust 2, slated for release this year.
For the first time, Sarah offered a glimpse into this new chapter during a sit-down with her close friend—beauty queen, actress, and Sola founder Kylie Verzosa—on the podcast Almost Honest. Over the course of nearly two hours, Sarah spoke candidly about starting over, raising two children on her own, and dismantling the illusion of a “perfect life” often projected onto her.
Below are some of the most meaningful insights from their conversation. You can listen on the full conversation here.
Screenshot from Almost Honest
On Growing Up in the Public Eye
Having experienced fame at a young age, Kylie asked Sarah how she had navigated life under constant scrutiny.
Sarah described it as “the weirdest thing.”
“You’re like, ‘What am I doing? What is happening? What is this attention and money?’” she shared. “It’s definitely strange. But along the way—with a few mistakes here and there—you mature. You learn what truly matters.”
She clarified that fame itself was never the goal. For Sarah, it was always about creativity and self-expression.
“As you grow older, you kind of learn how to talk to yourself,” she added. “You start asking the right questions.”
Moving On and Healing After Heartbreak
Asked how she’s been navigating life after separation and moving into a new home, Sarah answered with calm certainty.
“I’m good. I’m at peace. I’m happy. I am moving,” she said. “It’s a lot, but it’s exciting.”
Most importantly, she shared that her children are thriving.
“The kids are well. I feel like I’m starting this year in such a great place of peace and calmness,” she said. “That’s always nice when you’re beginning a new year.”
For Sarah, moving forward has also meant letting go of people, patterns, and habits that no longer serve her. A difficult but necessary process, especially for parents learning to protect their peace.
Debunking the ‘Perfect Life’ Narrative
Despite the glamorous images often seen on her social media, Sarah is quick to remind people that her life is far from perfect.
“They think I have it all together. They think my life is this perfect little fairy tale,” she said. “But I’m a single mom of two. I work very hard. I pay my own bills. I struggle.”
She didn’t shy away from vulnerability.
“I cry. I break down. And that’s okay. That’s life.”
While she understands public curiosity, Sarah is firm in her boundaries.
“I don’t owe anyone an explanation,” she said—except to herself and the people she loves.
It’s a reminder many parents need: not every chapter needs to be explained to the world.
On Providing for Her Children
Though she openly acknowledges the challenges she faces, Sarah remains steadfast in her role as a provider for her children.
When asked about receiving support, she was clear about her independence.
“I don’t feel the need to,” she said. “I can do it. And I don’t see why I should ask.”
Opening Herself to Love Again
While her focus remains on her children and career, Sarah isn’t closing herself off to love.
“Love isn’t necessarily a priority,” she shared. “But I know it’s going to come—and I want my fairy tale.”
She added, “I want that giddy feeling again. I know I have love to give.”
Rebuilding and Reclaiming Her Life
When asked whether she’s rebuilding or reclaiming her life, Sarah answered thoughtfully: both.
“I’m rebuilding in the sense that I’m still healing and growing into who I’m supposed to be,” she said. “I’m confident in who I am now, but there’s still work to do.”
As for reclaiming, she shared that it’s about reconnecting with her sense of womanhood and purpose—especially in her career.
Motherhood Then and Now
Now 32, Sarah reflected on becoming a mother at 19—a journey she admits was never easy.
“It was tough,” she said. “But I had my mom.”
She credited her mother, Esther, for being a pillar of strength during her pregnancy abroad.
“Mother-daughter relationships are complicated,” she admitted. “But having her beside me changed my life.”
With the support of both her parents, Sarah found the courage to trust herself.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” she said. “But I always felt this fire inside me—that I would figure it out. That I would do the right thing. That I would be a great mom.”
Though her path didn’t follow a traditional timeline, Sarah believes it gave her depth, resilience, and maturity early on.
After the Storm
Reflecting on the reassurance she received from friends during her hardest moments, Sarah shared one truth that stayed with her.
“Things will be okay.”
At first, she admitted, it felt like an easy thing to say.
“But the more you hear it—from the right people—the more you start to believe it,” she said. “And then you realize… it actually will be okay.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah shared that she is in a place of peace and calm, focusing on healing, her children, and moving forward with excitement rather than fear.
She emphasizes independence, hard work, and staying emotionally present for her children, while acknowledging that struggles are part of real life.
Sarah believes she doesn’t owe explanations to the public and chooses to protect her peace and her children by setting firm boundaries.
She debunked the idea that her life is “perfect,” sharing that she works hard, struggles, cries, and faces challenges like any other parent.
More on single parenting
Jean and Jennica Garcia on Life As Single Parents
Stephanie Zubiri: Soulful Parenting
Jon-jon Rufino: A Father’s Story
